BOISE, Idaho - Boise State football players Kyle Wilson and Kyle Brotzman both earned preseason honors this week as they were named to preseason watch lists for the 2009 Chuck Bednarik and Lou Groza awards, respectively.

Chuck Bednarik Award

Wilson (5-10, 187), a senior defensive back from Piscataway, N.J. (Piscataway HS), is one of 55 players named to the Bednarik Award preseason watch list. The award recognizes the top defensive player in college football each season.

Bednarik watch list candidates were selected by the Maxwell Football Club's Selection Committee. The list of Bednarik Award nominees will be narrowed throughout the 2009 season. Semifinalists for the award, which began in 1995, will be announced on Nov. 4.

Wilson received the nomination following an outstanding junior season at Boise State, in which he was named first-team All-Western Athletic Conference on defense. He finished 2008 with 35 tackles, five interceptions and 15 passes defended.

Lou Groza Award

Brotzman (5-10, 191), a junior place-kicker from Meridian, Idaho (Meridian HS), is one of 30 Football Bowl Subdivision players named to the 2009 Lou Groza Award watch list. The award honors the top place-kicker in college football each season.

The Groza Award, which is in its 18th year, is voted on by over 300 media representatives, coaches, past recipients, and conference and university officials. The award will be presented on Dec. 10. Three finalists will be honored and attend the award banquet in West Palm Beach, Fla. on Dec. 8.

Brotzman enters his junior season already enshrined in the Boise State record books. He currently has never missed a point after attempt, making a school record 116 PAT's in a row. He has also made good on 33-of-44 field goal attempts throughout his career.